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Grateful to have her son back andmoved by the suffering of the otherpatients, Dr. Villa began volunteeringto help families of deceased servicemembers. However, she wanted tointervene before a veteran was lost,and not after. So, in 2016, aftervolunteering at other nonprofits for awhile, Dr. Villa told her cofounder thatthey should start their own servicedog agency. “One day, I was talking to Terri, andI said, ‘Let's just do it,” “So, we justwent and formed a nonprofit, and therest is history.” Thus began the journeythat is now Silver State Service Dogs. Dr. Villa envisioned a two-foldmission: serving veterans andincorporating UNLV students throughservice work and internships. Theopportunity to give back was apowerful incentive to take on the challenge, she said. "I wanted to help veterans andmake opportunities for my students,"Dr. Villa said. "An internship givesstudents someplace to practice theirskills and gain real-world experience."

Dr. Villa and her cofounderpersonally oversee the care and trainingof each service dog. The organizationbreeds and trains about one to twolitters annually, and she insists that thereis no cost to veterans. “We raise the funds ourselves and itcan be expensive,” Dr. Villa said. “Butworthwhile -- I mean, when you see theveterans and their dogs, it's incrediblyrewarding.”

SSSD will have a booth at this year’s Growl-O-Ween event,October 17, from 11 am - 4 pm, at Three Dog Bakery Inc. Each year,this free event features countless activities for attendees and theirdogs, such as games, prizes, costumed canines, and trick-or-treating for both human and dog treats.

At this year’s Growl-O-Ween, you’ll see SSSD pups dressed intheir best costumes as we pass out treats and sell Halloween-themed goodies, swag, and greeting cards. We will also have araffle of prizes for humans and dogs. The proceeds from this eventbenefit rescues and other organizations like Silver State ServiceDogs. We hope you’ll come to see us and share in the fun -- bringalong your pup for fun and photos. Three Dog Bakery Inc is located at 2110 N. Rampart Blvd., Suite150. For more details, check out our Facebook event or visitpawpartnersunleashed.org for more details.

A little time can make such an impact for our dogs and thosewho receive them! Email volunteer@silverstateservicedogs.comor message us on social media to get started.

Sisters of Silver State Service Dogs

Dr. Diane Villa

Dr. Diane Villa founded Silver StateService Dogs with her cofounder andsister, Mrs. Teresa Keller. Dr. Villa, isalso an Associate Faculty in Residenceat the University of Nevada Las Vegas’department of Psychology. Her storybegins about 20 years ago, when sheand Mrs. Keller began breedingcompetition Labradors for dog shows. However, when her son wascritically injured in Iraq in 2005, shestarted on a path of service to otherveterans and their families. Dr. Villaand the rest of her family stayed withher son at the hospital and saw howhe and other patients sufferingphysical and emotional injuriesstruggled to recover.

Volunteer with Silver State service dogs!Volunteer with Silver State service dogs!Let's get spooky at

Here are some ways you can make a BIG difference this month:

Do some laps! Help our service dogs get their exercise,practice commands, and get used to public environmentsin our Lab Laps dog walking program. Walk on Saturdaysor reserve a flex walk that fits your busy schedule. (Lab Laps training required)

Raise a puppy! We have many pups but little space.Provide temporary shelter to a puppy and help socializethem. Plenty of cuddles and adorable moments includedwhen you choose to help raise a puppy.

Get Spooky! Help our interns set up and tear down forGrowl-O-Ween. Hang out with us during the event and besurrounded by dogs dressed up for Halloween.

October, Vol 1